Economics is the study of how and to what extent a society uses its scarce resources. At UW – Eau Claire, the Department of Economics believes that understanding economics requires both learning and applying economic theory. There are many different emphases within the Economics Department. Some of these emphases include: graduate education emphasis, applied economics emphasis, pre-law emphasis, and public policy analysis emphasis, to prepare students for a career in public sector analysis, an economics teaching emphasis, and a business ecomonics emphasis. The University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire also offers liberal arts and teaching minors in economics.

What will I learn from studying Economics?

Knowledge:

An economics major will study the production, consumption, and distribution of goods and services. These studies attempt to clarify how the use of natural, technological, and financial resources affects the lives of human beings. The study of economics draws upon history, philosophy, and mathematics to deal with subjects ranging from how an individual household or business can make sound decisions to societal issues such as unemployment, inflation, and environmental decay.

Skills:

• Conduct and clearly explain scientific research
• Collect and organize data
• Observe keenly and make appropriate decisions
• Thorough knowledge of statistical procedures
• Intellectual capacity to do well in most undergraduate and graduate college curriculums
• Proficiency in oral and written communication

What are some of the interests and values related to Economics?

• Achievement
• Intellectual growth
• Interest in economic and fiscal trends
• Dependability
• Curiosity
• Interest in research

What are related student and professional organizations?

Student:

• Omicron Delta Epsilon, an Economics honor society
• Student Economics Association
• Beta Upsilon Sigma

Professional:

• National Association for Business Economics
• American Economic Association
• Society of Government Economists
• Council of American Survey Research Organization

What career fields are related to the Economics Degree?

Potential Employers:

Because economics majors have extremely marketable skills they are able to obtain employment in diverse fields. Some employers include economic and market research firms, banking and finance institutions, government, as well as consulting and financial positions.

Potential Job Titles:

• Business Manager
• Cost Analyst
• Entrepreneur
• Industrial Buyer
• Market Research Analyst
• Teacher
• Wage and Salary Administrator  

What are some entry-level jobs held by UW – Eau Claire Economics graduates?

• Credit Risk Manager, The Swiss Colony, Monroe, WI
• Senior Merchandise Planning Analyst, Best Buy
• Corporate Bond Representative, Piper Jaffray , Minneapolis, MN
• Technology Analyst, Andersen Consulting , Minneapolis, MN
• Consumer Lender, First Star Bank, Roseville, MN

How can I learn more about Economics?

Department

• Contact someone in UW – Eau Claire’s Dept. of Economics
• Schneider Social Science 476, 836-5743

Career Services:

• Meet with a career counselor
• Take interest inventories and self-assessment tests
• Ask An Alum & Friends, a database of UW – Eau Claire Alumni & Friends available for informational interviewing

Career Discovery Center:

• Career Opportunities in Banking, Finance, and Insurance, Thomas Fitch
• Real People Working in Business, Blythe Camenson
• Great Jobs for Business Majors, Stephen Lambert
• Opportunities in Banking Careers, Adrian A Paradis
• Careers for Financial Mavens & Other Money Movers , Marjorie Eberts & Margaret Gisler
• Opportunities in Financial Careers , Michael A. Sumichrast & Martin A. Sumichrast
• Top Careers for Economics Grads , Checkmark Books

Internet:

• EconomicsJob.com
• Resources for Economists on the Internet
• General Economics Guides
• Careers in Finance

What are some opportunities for experiential learning in Economics?

Internship

Internships are a way to gain hands-on experience in a position that interests you as a potential career. To find an internship in Economics that suites your interests, visit Career Services (Schofield 230) and speak with a Career Associate about the many available internships. Contact your advisor or the Economics department chair about enrolling in ECON 494 to obtain academic credit for your internship.

Directed Studies or Independent Study Class

By participating in an Independent or Directed Studies course, students will be able to research an area that they find particularly interesting. Contact your advisor about enrolling in ECON 399, 495, 496 or 499.

Research

There are many opportunities for students to participate in Research Experience for Undergraduates ( REUs) to enhance the breadth of knowledge learned in the classroom. For additional information about REU’s for undergraduates, go to Career Services (Schofield 230) and speak to a Career Associate or visit the website: www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/reu_search.cfm. For additional information about research at UW-Eau Claire, contact the Department of Economics.